GIRLFRIENDS 2020
sister alies.
I do hope your Christmas celebrations, though novel this year, were spectacular and that your hearts are filled with joy! My outdoor Nativity scene was Mary and Joseph and baby Jesus painted on brick!
GIRLFRIENDS is seven years old and sadly we will pull up our tent stakes. Perhaps 7 is Biblical enough to tell the long and wonderful story of GFs. If I were to document, either by writing or pictures, it would take a fat book and 1/2!
Girlfriends began in January of 2013 and over these years (almost) never missed a weekly meeting. During that time we have been supported by donations, primarily by Christian Way United. So we closed our account and returned the money to them. We began at Broken Wings where we were so well supported. Then we moved over to Enon to give us a bit more room. Then (due to the flood) we moved to the Library where we were again in such a beautiful atmosphere. We are grateful to all the folks who welcomed us.
Meetings included gathering, eating, praying, and some sort of art project. Other times found us on a trip or watching a movie. Some projects were to give back to the community like the flower pots…other things we made decorated our Christmas Tree (a winner quite often).One of the things we recognized over this pandemic (since March) was how much each one missed GFs. We usually got a phone call on Sundays…
GFs took from the very beginning the idea of inclusivity where every woman who wanted to come was welcomed. We even had one man (Bro. Bill) who we made an honorary GF. Over the years we noticed how women of various ethnic backgrounds, generations, denominational/or none attachments could and did work together, enjoy learning from each other, and supporting one another. In this rather coarse and stressful time we proved that we could grow, and share, and by all means possible laugh! Five of our sweet members went to God: Ms. E., Charmaine, Lynn, Bro. Bill and on Dec 17, Ms. Imogene (see pic at 4th of July party) and Margie went to personal care. Others have come and gone and came again. Our youngest just got her AA in Business from EMCC.
We gave our art supplies and other bits and pieces to Broken Wings knowing there are many arty-types in the area and BW might make a little money.
Maybe when this pandemic is sorted someone will come along and fire us up again and other women in the area will be able to enter into the spirit of friendship having Jesus at the center. We are grateful for all the beautiful days we spent with one another and ask God to bless each one. GIRLFRIENDS FOREVER.
BLESSINGS.
